Abstract
Extragastric compression by pancreatic cancer was studied endoscopically in 34 patients with pancreatic cancer confirmed by operation or autopsy. An extragastric compression was recognized in 5 (36%) of 14 patients with cancer localized in the head of the pancreas, while it was found in 17 (85%) of 20 patients with cancer located in other parts of the pancreas. The compression was noted mainly on the gastric wall anatomically adjacent to the site of the pancreatic tumor. Degree of the extragastric compression was not closely related to the size of pancreatic cancer. It seems to be influenced by the growing site and direction of pancreatic cancer. Regarding the features of extragastric compression, the elevation was generally gentle and the border was obscure. However, some cases of marked compression had a steep elevation and relatively clear border. Finally, the extragastric compression was classified into the following 5 types based on the general features. 1) minimal compression with smooth surface. 2) minical compression with smooth surface, accompanied by partial irregularity on its surface. 3) minimal compression with wholly irregular surface. 4) marked compression with smooth surface. 5) marked compression with smooth surface, accompanied by partial irregularity on its surface.
